Rape charge teen on run after being freed for a family funeral

A TEENAGER due to stand trial for rape has gone on the run after he was released from custody on compassionate bail to attend a funeral.

The disclosure came during a hearing in which a judge ordered forfeiture of a cash surety put forward to secure the youth’s temporary release.

The relative who put up the cash has since told police: “He will be back when he’s ready.”

The accused, who cannot be named due to his age, is charged with the rape and sexual assault of a young female on March 30 last year. Both charges are denied and the trial was scheduled to begin on March 12 at Dungannon Crown Court.

Having originally been granted bail when first charged, the youth was returned to custody last October following a breach of conditions.

Further attempts to get bail were refused, including an application in December.

But an application was then mounted for compassionate bail to allow him to attend a family funeral around a fortnight ago.

Police were strenuously opposed to the youth’s release.

But a prosecution lawyer said that “while police have expressed concerns”, a short bail release could be agreed, providing the youth was in the care of a relative at all times.

A relative was ordered to personally collect and return the youth to the facility in which he was being detained, and put forward a £1,000 cash surety.

Despite this, the youth absconded at some point while free, and has been at large ever since.

A further court hearing was convened to address the issue of the £1,000 surety lodged, where a prosecution lawyer explained police believe the youth is in the Republic.

Judge Neil Rafferty heard evidence from the police officer in charge of the case, who said: “The accused has not returned to custody and a European Arrest Warrant has been issued.”

On being asked by the judge if there had been any communication with the relative who put forward the cash surety, the officer replied: “No contact prior to absconding but afterwards he confirmed (the youth) is with his family but refused to disclose where.

“He said (the youth) will be back when he is ready.”

Judge Rafferty said: “That sounds like a sound reason to order seizure of the surety.”